Franklin County students win VFW essay awards

May 15, 2006

MERCERSBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvania District 21 Veterans of Foreign Wars winners of the 2005 VFW student essay contests were honored March 12 during a ceremony at Chambersburg VFW Post 1599.

The Voice of Democracy, an audio essay contest for high school students, had a theme this year of "How I Demonstrate My Freedom." Patriot's Pen, a written essay contest for middle school students, had a theme of "Who are Today's Patriots."

Amos Rawley of Greencastle, Pa., won $600 for winning the Voice of Democracy contest at the district level, then won first place at the state level to win a $5,000 savings bond. He placed fifth in the national contest and won an additional $5,000, as well as an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

Also competing at the district level representing Mercersburg VFW Post 6241 were James Buchanan Middle School students Kelsey L. Meyers, who placed third, and Dakota C. Bricker, who placed fourth.

Voice of Democracy winners at the post level were Kerrington M. Gray, first place, and Brittany L. Williams, second place, both students at Clear Spring High School.

The theme for the 2006 Voice of Democracy contest is "Freedom's Challenge." The theme for Patriot's Pen will be "Citizenship in America." The deadline for entry is Nov. 1.

For information, call Mercersburg VFW Post 6241 at 717-328-2818, or go to www.vfw.org.

The Outstanding Secondary Career Technology Education Program Award was presented April 25 to Washington County Technical High School teacher Martin Kikirk at the 22nd annual Career and Technology Education Awards of Excellence program in Baltimore.

Nikirk was honored for his Advanced Computer Applications program.

Nikirk's Advanced Computer Applications class is in its second year of computer game design and animation pilot as students learn the components of computer game design, including concept development, business planning, design graphics, audio/video, marketing and publishing.